Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2017-18 season thus far

By FanSided User

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics

While the Celtics have come back to earth recently, they are still absolutely one of the NBA’s biggest surprises. They sit at 30-10 at the moment, good for the best record in the East.

Kyrie Irving and Al Horford have both played at an All-Star level this season and, without Gordon Hayward available, Brad Stevens has done a masterful job of putting this young team in optimal positions to succeed. While the Celtics are not an elite offense, they have been able to use a versatile array of wings to create one of the league’s best defensive squads.

After a blistering start, the Celtics have begun to look mortal as of late. Through November 30, the Celtics were the league’s best defense, allowing just 98.4 points per 100 possessions. In the month of December, however, they rank 8th, giving up 104.2 points per 100 possessions.

This is probably more indicative of the team that Boston is. They were never quite as good as their 16-2 start but they are still one of the top teams in the East.

What to Watch For:

Rookie Jayson Tatum has been spectacular all season long. Coming into the season, he was known as a player that thrived on tough mid-rangers in isolation. He has been exactly the opposite of that in Boston this year. He has fit perfectly into a complimentary role on both sides of the ball.

On offense he has been ruthlessly efficient. He is shooting the second highest percentage on 3s in the NBA at 47.5% and he currently has 64.5 true shooting %. He has also been a very solid team defender, giving Stevens another long, athletic wing to use on that end.

With every game he plays, you can see the growth in both confidence and maturity on the court. Look to see him continue to improve and contribute as the season goes along.

Home/NBA News